Hailey Van Lith Joins Angel Reese in Chicago Sky After Thriving WNBA Draft

In an exciting twist for women’s basketball fans, former LSU teammates have reunited in the WNBA. The Chicago Sky selected Hailey Van Lith, a standout point guard from TCU, with the 11th overall pick in the recent WNBA Draft. This marks a significant moment as she rejoins fellow Tigers star Angel Reese in Chicago.

During her time at TCU, Van Lith emerged as an elite prospect in women’s basketball. Despite being a Horned Frogs star last season, her reunion with Reese adds an intriguing dynamic to the Chicago Sky lineup. Van Lith enters the professional league with a noteworthy résumé that includes participating in three different Elite Eight teams throughout her collegiate career. Additionally, she proudly secured a bronze medal with the women’s 3×3 basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The strong performances during the previous season greatly elevated Van Lith’s status as a top WNBA Draft prospect. Impressively, she achieved a career-high shooting percentage of 45.9% from the field, averaging 17.9 points per game while contributing 4.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Her accomplishments did not go unnoticed, as she earned both the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year awards, leading the Horned Frogs to claim not only the regular season title but also the coveted Big 12 championship.

Historic NCAA Performance

Van Lith’s journey to the WNBA has been marked by impressive milestones. This past season at TCU, her performances helped elevate the team, culminating in breaking single-season program records with 680 total points and 204 assists. Such contributions demonstrate her capability to impact the game significantly.

Before her tenure at TCU, Van Lith began her collegiate career at Louisville, where she made a remarkable impression over three seasons. She earned first-team All-ACC honors during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. During her sophomore year in 2022, the Cardinals advanced to the Final Four, highlighting her vital role on the team.

A New Chapter with the Chicago Sky

Following her time at Louisville, Hailey Van Lith transferred to Kim Mulkey’s program at LSU for the 2023-24 season. Her partnership with Reese garnered attention, as fans eagerly anticipated how she would fit into the Tigers’ offensive strategy. However, that season proved challenging for Van Lith, as she averaged 11.6 points and recorded her lowest career shooting percentage at 37.8%.

Disregarding her previous setbacks, Van Lith made a strong comeback this past season, showcasing her determination and skill. Her efforts played a crucial role in convincing the Chicago Sky to use their second pick in the first round to draft her, reflecting the team’s confidence in her abilities as they look to bolster their performance in the league.

Draft Overview and Chicago’s Strategy

In this year’s draft, the Chicago Sky made strategic choices to enhance their roster. Prior to selecting Van Lith, they picked Slovenian power forward Ajsa Sivka with the 10th overall selection. This approach signifies the Sky’s commitment to building a competitive squad for the upcoming WNBA season, emphasizing both domestic and international talent.

Van Lith’s selection is seen as a pivotal moment not just for her career but for the Chicago Sky. Her ability to facilitate play and score will undoubtedly add depth to the team as they aim for success on the court.

Looking Ahead: Expectations for Van Lith and the Sky

The anticipation surrounding Van Lith’s debut in the WNBA has reached a fever pitch. Fans are eager to see how her partnership with Reese will unfold in Chicago. Their chemistry, proven on the college courts, could translate into a formidable duo at the professional level, possibly lifting the Chicago Sky to new heights.

As the WNBA season approaches, it becomes clear that Hailey Van Lith’s transition to professional basketball is a story worth following. With her skill set and resilience, she seeks to make a substantial impact alongside her former college teammate. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter for both Van Lith and the Chicago Sky as they strive for excellence.

A New Era Begins

The reunion of Van Lith and Reese not only stirs excitement among fans but also represents a new era for the Chicago Sky. Both players have proven their mettle at the collegiate level, and the challenge now lies in adapting to the professional game. Their joint journey could inspire a new generation of athletes and elevate women’s basketball further into the spotlight.

As this new chapter unfolds, the Sky’s fans will be watching intently, hoping to see their team thrive in the WNBA landscape. The synergy between Van Lith and Reese could reshape strategies and elevate performances, making for an exhilarating season ahead.